Updated Guidance: First Aid and CPR Certification

Per Ohio Administrative Code 5123:2-2-01, it is required that people working in the role of direct support professionals and independent providers maintain active first aid and CPR certifications.

In response to coronavirus (COVID-19), the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association have extended expiration dates for 120 days. Visit the website for whichever entity provided your certification for details about how to obtain the extension, as it may require some action in order to obtain the extension.

Additionally, in previous guidance issued by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities on March 14 (Providers of Waiver-Funded Services) the department communicated that it will allow online CPR/first aid, but appropriate CPR/first aid certification must be obtained if the staff person maintains a direct support position. Previously, this was acceptable through June 1, 2020. This accommodation will be in effect until further notice.

American Red Cross instructors are providing provisional training and certificates which allow for the online CPR/First Aid portion to be started and a 90-day period for the hands-on component to be completed.

This provisional training can be provided by any instructor who has been certified by the American Red Cross. A list of those approved instructors will be shared with county boards and councils of governments (COGs). You can contact your local county board to see if there are instructors in your area.